Discover the best Pit Barrel Smoker setups for reliable, flavorful barbecue. This guide covers five top options that maximize the vertical cooking style Pit Barrel Cooker Co. is known for. Learn how each product enhances efficiency, versatility, and cleanup, so you can choose the setup that fits your grilling goals.
| Product | Type | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package (18.5″ Drum) | Complete Package | All-in-one vertical smoker with hooks and grill grate |
| Pit Barrel Cooker Original | Core Accessory | Durable chrome-plated steel grill grate for dual-use |
| Pit Barrel Cooker Meat Hooks (4-Pack) | Hanging Accessories | Expands hanging capacity for meats and veggies |
| Pit Barrel All-Purpose Pit Rub | Seasoning | Balanced flavor for beef, poultry, pork, seafood, vegetables |
| Pit Barrel Stainless Steel Ash Pan | Cleanup Accessory | Speeds up ash removal and cleanup |
Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package
The Pit Barrel Cooker Classic Package combines the vertical drum with essential accessories for immediate use. Its 360º heat dynamics provide consistent cooking whether you’re new to outdoor cooking or refining technique. The package includes hooks, a hanging rod system, a sturdy grill grate, and provisions for searing with optional accessories. Built with a porcelain enamel finish, the smoker resists weather and internal heat, maintaining a clean look while withstanding daily use. This setup supports diverse cooking, from ribs to briskets and even desserts when using the grill grate for sear marks.
The design emphasizes effortless operation: food is cooked evenly as heat circulates around the vertical chamber. For flexibility, you can hang meats, grill smaller items on the grate, or combine methods for multi-task cooking. The durable finish helps preserve the smoker’s exterior in varying climates, making it a practical choice for backyard cooks seeking reliable performance without frequent maintenance.
Pit Barrel Original Chrome Plated Grate
The original chrome-plated steel grill grate is designed for dual-use on the Pit Barrel, enabling both hanging and grilling. One side remains closed for traditional grilling, while the opposite is open for hanging ribs, pork shoulder, or other large cuts. This dual-action grate improves capacity and reduces the need to rotate or rearrange food during the cook. It’s compatible with the Pit Barrel system and supports the brand’s emphasis on simple, scalable barbecue.
Users benefit from the versatility: you can sear on the grates or hang meat for smoke-and-baste flavor development. The chrome plating provides a smooth surface for easier cleanup after long cooks. As part of a broader Pit Barrel setup, this grate helps maximize space inside the drum while maintaining even heat exposure for consistent results.
Pit Barrel Meat Hooks (4-Pack)
These stainless steel meat hooks expand the Pit Barrel’s hanging capacity, letting you maximize the vertical space inside the drum. The hooks are welded and durable, designed to handle beef, poultry, and pork without bending. The ability to hang more items enables multi-item cooks and can shorten overall cook times by allowing simultaneous cooking of different components. The hooks integrate smoothly with the Pit Barrel’s design, maintaining consistent airflow and heat distribution around the meat.
From a practical standpoint, having additional hooks supports more adventurous menus—think ribs hanging next to sausages or vegetables—without crowding the chamber. The stainless steel construction ensures longevity, resistance to heat, and easy cleaning after a busy barbecue session. These hooks are a straightforward upgrade for dedicated Pit Barrel enthusiasts seeking more capacity and flexibility.
Pit Barrel All-Purpose Pit Rub
This all-purpose rub is specially formulated to complement smoke flavor from a Pit Barrel cook. Its balanced profile supports beef, poultry, pork, seafood, and vegetables, enabling consistent seasoning across a variety of proteins. The blend is gluten-free and free from MSG, helping to meet common dietary considerations while delivering a savory edge that enhances the natural flavors developed by smoke. The rub is designed to work with Pit Barrel’s flavor profile, offering dependable enhancement without overpowering the meat.
Seasoning is a crucial step in barbecue, and this rub provides a reliable baseline for both novice and experienced pitmasters. Whether you’re going for a traditional barbecue bite or a modern twist, the All-Purpose Pit Rub helps achieve a cohesive flavor across multiple courses. It’s easy to apply, whether you’re coating larger cuts or dusting smaller items just before they go on the grill.
Pit Barrel Original Custom Fit Cover
The custom-fit weather-proof cover is designed to shield the Pit Barrel from rain, sleet, and snow while maintaining the grill’s appearance. The heavy-duty exterior withstands sun and moisture, and the elastic bottom ensures a secure fit that won’t shift during windy conditions. The black cover features the Pit Barrel seal for easy identification and added protection. It’s machine-washable, simplifying maintenance for frequent outdoor cooks.
Choosing a dedicated cover reduces exposure to the elements, extending the life of the Pit Barrel’s porcelain enamel finish. A well-fitted cover also helps keep dust and debris off the grates, rails, and hooks, so your setup remains ready for use after storage. For outdoor grilling in varying climates, this cover provides a practical, long-term protection solution without adding complexity to the cooking process.
Buying Guide: Pit Barrel Smoker Considerations
- Cooking style: Decide whether you primarily smoke with hanging meat, grill on the grate, or combine both. Pit Barrel’s design supports flexible methods, but certain accessories optimize specific workflows.
- Capacity and layout: If you routinely cook multiple large cuts, consider extra meat hooks or a larger package to maximize vertical space and airflow inside the drum.
- Longevity and durability: A porcelain enamel finish helps resist weathering; ensure you select components with robust materials like stainless steel for accessories that endure heat and cleaning cycles.
- Maintenance: Accessories such as the ash pan and protective covers reduce cleanup time and protect the smoker’s interior and exterior surfaces.
- Flavor customization: Seasonings like all-purpose rubs enable consistent taste across various dishes. For a signature flavor, pair rubs with your preferred wood or charcoal choice.
- Compatibility: Confirm that grates, hooks, and covers fit the 18.5″ Classic Drum model if you already own a Pit Barrel and plan to add parts gradually.
- Ease of use: Package options that include hooks and a grill grate streamline setup, making it easier for beginners to achieve reliable results quickly.
Across these selections, the core advantages of Pit Barrel systems include simple vertical cooking, strong heat management, and space-efficient design that supports batch programs and family meals. Evaluating how you cook—whether you focus on smoked meats, grill-ready items, or a mix—will guide you toward the best combination of drum, grate, hooks, and rubs for your backyard.